INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY: BOOK OF PHILEMON
By Dennis Schmidt 3/2001
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This paper discusses the book of Philemon. Philemon home was probably located in Colosse, & he was a leader in the Church that met at his house (vs 2). All scripture are from the King James version Bible.
PHILEMON'S THEME:
- REQUEST FOR RUNAWAY SLAVE TO BE FORGIVING & RESTORED NOW AS A CHRISTIAN BROTHER.
CHAPTER THEMES & ELEMENTS
BOOK STRUCTURE |
PAUL'S PERSONAL LETTER FOR SLAVE ONESIMUS | CHAPTER(S) THEMES |
| Author & salutations | Introduction: Philemon & Church | (1-3) To Philemon & others who meet in his home. |
| Character of Philemon | Approach: Philemon love & faith | (4-7) Acknowledge Philemon's love to the saints |
| Change to Onesimus as Christian is reason to send him back | Argument: intercession & Paul's past efforts to Philemon | (8-17) Request for Onesimus shown how he improved |
| Paul's positive response from Philemon & his visit to Philemon | Appeal: direct, IOU, & confident | (18-22) Paul's expected agreement faith to get out of prison & visit |
| Closing remarks & regards | Conclusion: best wishes | (23-25) Benediction & regards from Paul & others. |
AUTHOR: Apostle Paul DATE: ~ 61 AD FROM: Rome Prison TO: Philemon & Church at Colosse
PURPOSE: RECONCILIATION BETWEEN A CHRISTIAN SLAVE OWNER, & A RUNAWAY SERVANT WHO STOLE FROM HIM & RETURNS AS A CHRISTIAN BROTHER.
KEY VERSES:
Philemon 11, 16 "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: {16} Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?" A Christian response to slavery which also applies to forgiveness of slavery of sins..
KEY WORD(S)/VERSES: [ servant ] (16), [ Love ] (5, 7, 9), [ faith ] (5, 6), [ grace ] (3, 23),
[ prison/bond ] (1, 9, 10, 13, 23)
OUTLINE FOR PHILEMON:
I) SALUTATIONS: {PHILEMON 1-3}
II) PHILEMON'S CHARACTER: {PHILEMON 4-7}
III) ONESIMUS CHANGE IN CHARACTER: {PHILEMON 8-20}
A) FOR LOVE SAKE PAUL REQUESTS: {PHILEMON 8-9}
B) BESEECH PHILEMON FOR ONESIMUS WHO IS CHANGED: {PHILEMON 10-13}
C) ONESIMUS THE CHRISTIAN, SERVANT, & BROTHER EVEN AS PAUL: {PHILEMON 14-17}
D) IF ONESIMUS OWES ANYTHING PAUL WILL REPAY SINCE PHILEMON OWES PAUL HIS CHISTIAN LIFE: {PHILEMON 18-20}
IV) PAUL'S FUTURE VISIT: {PHILEMON 21-22}
V) BENEDICTION: {PHILEMON 23-25}
Colossians 4:7-9 "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, <who is> a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: {8} Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; {9} With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is <one> of you. They shall make known unto you all things which <are done> here." Colossians scriptures shows were this church was located.
I) SALUTATIONS: {PHILEMON 1-3}
WHO: Paul & Timothy, to WHOM: Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus and to the church in thy house.
Philemon 1 "Paul, a [ prisoner ] of M Jesus M T Christ T, and Timothy <our> brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and [ fellowlabourer ],"
Paul: Saul: means asked for and Paul: means little or small. Paul is in Rome in prison and certainly needs the comfort and help of Onesimus, but he care for the church is of more importance. He does ask for pray and that a room be set aside from Philemon so that he could come to Philemon's home (verse 22). Paul had never been in Colosse. Paul is the author as shown in Philemon: 1, 9, & 19 referenced to Paul.
Paul & Timothy are Apostles:
See my papers: "Apostles" for more information on this subject.
Colossians 2:1 "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and <for> them at Laodicea, and <for> as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;"
Timothy: means worship of God. He was as a son to Paul. He was to carry on Paul's ministry after Paul departed. His father was a Greek and mother was a Jew (Acts 16:1). His mother was Eunice and grandmother was Lois, both of whom were Christians and probably taught him the scriptures. Paul laid hands on Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5-6).
Paul's letter send with regards from Timothy included in Philemon 1, 2 Corinthians 1:1, and Hebrews 13:23.
Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:2 and 2 Timothy 1:2. Paul addresses Timothy's ministry in 1 Timothy 6:20.
Paul circumcised Timothy as shown in Acts 16:1-3
Prisoner: For and of Jesus. See prisoner/bonds in 9, 10, 13, & 23 since Paul is in prison for the gospel's sake.
Philemon: The name means loving and friendship. No other reference to Philemon's is found in scriptures. He was probably the leader of the Church in his house.
Fellowlabourer/fellowsoldier: Also see verse 2, 24. Labor in the gospel.
Philippians 4:3 "And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and <with> other my fellowlabourers, whose names <are> in the book of life."
Philemon 2 "And to <our> beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:"
Apphia: The name means to be fruitful or that produces. Could be Phileon's wife
Archippus: The name means master of the house or govern of horses. Could be Philemon's son.
Colossians 4:17 "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it."
Fellowsoldier: Ephesians 6:11-18 Soldier putting on armor etc.
The only other reference is in Philippians shown companion laborer.
Philippians 2:25 "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants."
Philemon 3 "[ Grace ] to you, and peace, from /\ God /\ our /\ Father /\ and the /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M T Christ T."
Grace: Getting what we do not deserve as compared with mercy: not getting what we deserve.
See my papers: "Grace" for more information on this subject.
Peace: Hebrew word Shalom used for hello, good-bye & God bless you.
Only God gives peace to ones spirit of forgiveness & restoration.
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: God is a Triunity. God can not be divided. Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are the way the one God reveals himself. If one sees Jesus, he also sees the Father and the Holy Spirit at the same time since God can not be separated (Colossians 1:15). Jesus is perfect man and God.
See my papers: "Triunity - Father, Son, & Holy Spirit" for more information on this subject.
John 14:9-10 "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou <then>, Show us the Father? {10} Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."
Colossians 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
See my papers: "Just Who is God?" for more information on this subject.
II) PHILEMON'S CHARACTER: {PHILEMON 4-7}
Philemon 4 "I thank my /\ God /\, making mention of thee always in my prayers," Paul's great love for Philemon and church in his house.
Of thee always in my prayers: Paul's prayer for Colosse Church:
See my papers: "Prayer" for more information on this subject.
Colossians 1:9-14 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard <it>, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; {10} That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; {11} Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; {12} Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: {13} Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated <us> into the kingdom of his dear Son: {14} In whom we have redemption through his blood, <even> the forgiveness of sins:"
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KEY WORD: {PHILEMON 5-9} [ LOVE ]
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(1) {5} Hearing of thy (Philemon) love & faith in Lord Jesus towards saints.
(2) {7} Refresh saints in love.
(3) {9} For love's sake, I (Paul) beseech thee (Philemon) for Onesimus.
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Philemon 5 "Hearing of thy [ love ] and [ faith ], which thou hast toward the /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M, and toward all saints;" Christian walk with deeds including acts towards visiting teachers & evangelists in ministry.
love:
See my papers: "Love" for more information on this subject.
Faith:
See my papers: "Faith" for more information on this subject.
Christian hospitality:
See my papers: "Walk as Jesus Walked" for more information on this subject.
3 John 5 "Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;"
Hebrews 13:2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
3 John 6 "Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:"
Charity: Love shown by action.
During the early church period, the gospel was taken place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Homes where used by these missionaries to preach the word and to receive provisions for their journey. John urges supporting the traveling teachers and evangelists.
Matthew 10:5-9 "These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into <any> city of the Samaritans enter ye not: {6} But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. {7} And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. {8} Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. {9} Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses," Later God allow preaching to the Gentiles.
2 Corinthians 11:7 "Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?"
3 John 7-8 "Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. {8} We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth." Key verse on Christian hospitality.
Missionaries received no money from non-believers lest he appear to be selling the gospel.
Philemon 6 "That the communication of thy [ faith ] may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in T Christ T M Jesus M.
Philemon 7 "For we have great joy and consolation in thy [ love ], because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."
III) ONESIMUS CHANGE IN CHARACTER: {PHILEMON 8-20}
A) FOR LOVE SAKE PAUL REQUESTS: {PHILEMON 8-9}
Philemon 8 "Wherefore, though I might be much bold in T Christ T to enjoin thee that which is convenient," Paul could order Philemon.
Philemon 9 "Yet for [ love's ] sake I rather beseech <thee>, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a [ prisoner ] of M Jesus M T Christ T." Paul would rather Philemon to accept Onesimus as brother.
B) BESEECH PHILEMON FOR ONESIMUS WHO IS CHANGED: {PHILEMON 10-13}
WAY: BEGOTTEN AS A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN
Philemon 10 "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my [ bonds ]:" Paul was used by God to bring him to Christ.
Onesimus: The name means profitable and useful.
Colossians 4:9 "With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here."
Begotten: Saved or Born-Again
See my papers: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.
See my papers: "Salvation Biblical Word Glossary" for more information on this subject.
WHAT: ONESIMUS IN THE PAST WAS UNPROFITABLE, BUT NOW IS PROFITABLE TO YOU & ME
Philemon 11 "Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:" This is a play on Onesimus name.
WHEN: IN THE PAST; WHY: NOW PROFITABLE TO US
Philemon 12 "Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:"
I have sent again:
Colossians 4:7-9 "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: {8} Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; {9} With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here." Tychicus sent with Onesimus as companion to be safer in view of slave catchers
WANT/WHERE: WHOM I WOULD HAVE RETAINED WITH ME
Philemon 13 "Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the [ bonds ] of the gospel:"
In thy stead he might have ministered unto me:
Paul and Christians are under duty of obedience to law (return slave to his master). Paul did not obliterate slavery.
Ephesians 6:5-8 "Servants, be obedient to them that are <your> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; {6} Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; {7} With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: {8} Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether <he be> bond or free."
Colossians 4:9 "With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is <one> of you. They shall make known unto you all things which <are done> here."
Gospel:
See my papers: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.
C) ONESIMUS THE CHRISTIAN, SERVANT, & BROTHER EVEN AS PAUL: {PHILEMON 14-17}
Philemon 14 "But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly."
Philemon 15 "For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;"
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CONTRAST: {PHILEMON 15-19} SERVANT VS CHRISTIAN BROTHER
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Onesimus departed a slave -> Onesimus stole money from Philemon -> Onesimus wrong Philemon
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v
Onesimus returned a brother -> Onesimus money charged to Paul's account -> Paul will repay since Philemon owes Paul his life (as a Christian)
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v
Onesimus returns as a Christian servant to Philemon, Paul, & the Lord Jesus
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WAY: ONESIMUS BECOMES A CHRISTIAN BROTHER IN THE LORD
Philemon 16 "Not now as a [ servant ], but above a [ servant ], a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the /\ Lord /\?" Christian brotherhood in social classes.
Christian brother in the Lord:
See my papers: "Man's Greatest Need - Relationship with God" for more information on this subject.
Philemon 17 "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." Paul's verse 17-19 could be compares with Christ's work.
D) IF ONESIMUS OWE ANYTHING PAUL WILL REPAY SINCE PHILEMON OWE PAUL HIS LIFE: {PHILEMON 18-20}
Philemon 18 "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth <thee> ought, put that on mine account;" Paul has no money, but he will pay for lost. This is really a request to ask Philemon to forgive Onesimus for his sins & put it on Jesus account. This is similar to Christ mediation advocacy to the Father on the Christian's behalf. Just as Onesimus was condemned by law but saved by grace, so are we condemned by law and saved by God's grace by Jesus righteousness on our behalf.
Philemon 19 "I Paul have written <it> with mine own hand, I will repay <it>: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides." Paul probably brought Philemon to the Lord.
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Philemon 20 "Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the /\ Lord /\: refresh my bowels in the /\ Lord /\."
IV) PAUL'S FUTURE VISIT: {PHILEMON 21-22}
Philemon 21 "Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say." Free him? Paul knows that Philemon will forgive as well as forget Onesimus sins and greet him as a Christian brother.
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MISC: {PHILEMON 22} COMING, OUT OF PRISON, TO YOU FOR VISIT
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Prepare me also a lodging: Paul is in prison to die, but He says, in faith, he will get out of prison & come. He does
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Philemon 22 "But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you."
Prepare me also a lodging:
Philippians 1:13 "So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other <places>;"
Bonds of prison. Nevertheless, Paul shows his faith that he will be released to go to Philippi and Colosse.
Philippians 1:25-26 "And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; {26} That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again."
Philippians 2:24 "But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly."
Prayers I shall be given unto you:
See my papers: "Prayer" for more information on this subject.
V) BENEDICTION: {PHILEMON 23-25}
Philemon 23 "There salute thee Epaphras, my [ fellowprisoner ] in T Christ T M Jesus M;"
Epaphras: His names means flavored by venus.
Colossians 1:7 "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;"
Colossians 4:12-13 "Epaphras, who is <one> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. {13} For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis."
Philemon 24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my [ fellowlabourers ]."
Mark: Meaning idle & lazy. A cousin of Barnabas. Mother is Mary and the Jerusalem church met in her house. He had problems the first trip (Acts 12:25, Acts 13:5) with Paul and left (Acts 13:13). Paul did not want him to go on a second trip. Barnabas split with Paul (Acts 15:36-40). Mark is here again helping Paul (also Colossians 4:10 and 2 Timothy 4:11) and is also helping Peter (1 Peter 5:13). History has the gospel of Mark (the first gospel used as history teachers on Jesus) and is from Peter's viewpoint.
Aristarchus: Meaning best advising and good prince. He was caught in Ephesus instead of Paul (Acts 19:29). He is a Macedonian of Thessalonica (Acts 27:2). He helped Paul (Acts 20:4). He may have gone to Colosse with Mark (Colossians 4:10).
Acts 27:2 "And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us."
Colossians 4:10 "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"
Demas: Meaning popular and ruler of people. He helped Paul in Rome (Philemon 24 and Colossians 4:14). Later because of worldly loves, he left Paul and went to Thessalonica (2 Timothy 4:10).
Luke: Meaning light of the sun. He was a helper of Paul (Colossians 4:14 and 2 Timothy 4:11). He is Greek (maybe half Jewish) and writes the gospel of Luke and Acts to the gentiles. These are the only New Testament books written by a pure Jew. The books covers the history of Jesus and the early church. Paul probable gave Luke a lot of information for the book of Acts and may have read the books.
Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."
Philemon 25 "The [ grace ] of our /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M T Christ T <be> with your spirit. Amen."
Grace:
See my papers: "Grace" for more information on this subject.
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